Project name:
Spread your wings
Project duration
01/01/2021 – 28/02/2022
Total project budget:43 710,6
Association Biom budget: Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes: 43 710,6
Lead beneficiary:
Association Biom
Project partners:
Dynamo International ASBL,
Plantar Uma Árvore – Associação,
Limited liability company “Movement Sfera”,
Asociación Cultural Youropía
Contact:
Đina Nola, djina.nola[at]biom.hr, voditelj projekta
Project goals:
To develop the key competencies and improve the employability of young people through engaging them in practical experiences of nature conservation.
To raise awareness of the importance of nature and to promote its conservation in Croatia, especially within the local communities around the areas of most valuable biodiversity.
Project summary
In 2021, four young people from Belgium, Portugal, Russia and Spain joined Biom as long-term ESC volunteers. Over the course of ten months, they took part in meaningful nature conservation work across Croatia. Their experience combined practical fieldwork, non-formal education, and community engagement, all while learning about biodiversity and sustainability through direct involvement.
Volunteers were active in several key locations, including Lastovo Islands Nature Park, Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures on Cres Island, Učka Nature Park, Dinara Nature Park, and the city of Zagreb.
They took part in a wide variety of conservation activities, such as bird population and nest monitoring, removal of invasive mammal species, habitat restoration, and the care of rescued griffon vultures. They were also a support at a bird ringing camp Učka and helped process scientific data used in ongoing biodiversity research. Working closely with Biom experts, participants had the opportunity to apply scientific methods in the field while learning about Croatia’s most valuable ecosystems.
In addition to their fieldwork, volunteers contributed to educational and outreach efforts. They created and delivered workshops and games for children and youth, supported local events, and helped communicate nature-related topics to wider audiences. In the office, they worked on digital materials for Biom’s website and social media, researching and preparing content on current environmental and climate topics.
Throughout their involvement, participants gained hands-on experience in research, conservation, education and communication. At the same time, they took part in a soft-skills development program, helping them build confidence, improve teamwork, and better understand how they can contribute to positive change – both locally and across Europe.
